Meet Our June Artists in Residence & Join Us for Free Artist Talk

The Jordan River Arts Council is excited to launch its new Artist in Residence program this June. Our first two resident artists, Leslie Dietsch and Brooklyn Allen, will be creating work throughout the East Jordan area from June 1–15.

Leslie Dietsch, from Erie, Michigan, works in oils, while Brooklyn Allen of Grand Rapids brings a unique twist to painting by creating her artwork on prepared leaves instead of traditional canvas. The residency program offers artists dedicated time, housing within the community, and studio space at JRAC — all designed to support focused creative work.

Both artists will share the work they’ve created during their residency and offer short presentations:

• Leslie Dietsch will demonstrate how to paint on wooden postcards, including a hands‑on activity.

• Brooklyn Allen will show how she prepares leaves to create archival surfaces for her paintings.

This special event at the Jordan River Arts Council is free and open to the public.

Come meet the artists, learn about their creative processes, and experience their work up close.

More artists will join the community later this summer, each offering their own presentation or workshop.